State and Federal Government officials, along with Melbourne Airport management, have buried the hatchet on a long-simmering feud over the long-vaunted Airport Rail link, clearing the way for the mega-project to move forward.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, along with Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams and Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus, signed a memorandum of understanding at Tullamarine this morning that stipulates all sides will work together to form a steering committee to get the long overdue project underway.
Though today’s agreement stops short of stipulating a completion date – the project had originally been earmarked for a 2029 completion but has been delayed by at least four years – it comes on the heels of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committing $2 billion in Federal funds to upgrade Sunshine Station, which is aimed at accelerating the Melbourne Airport rail development.
Previous stalemates between the Airport and the State Government had concerned station design, and whether it would be an above or under-ground construction. Mediation between the two sides later resulted in the above-ground option being agreed to.
Above ground is such a poor option when you consider the terminal developments and the distances from terminal 4 and terminal 1. This should be and needs to be underground allowing for the line to traverse the airport underground and continue in time to connect with the Bendigo Line. Such a poor outcome for the project and Melbourne.